Are Soaking Tubs Overrated? Here's How To Know If They're Right For You

Whether you're getting ready for a bathroom remodel or just want to reevaluate how you're maximizing space, the choice of having a tub versus a shower is one of those design challenges with no definitive right answer. Add in variations like soaking tubs or even a rainfall shower, and now there's even more complexity in designing your space. Soaking tubs, specifically, are a bathroom fixture growing in popularity, yet some consider them to be an overrated addition. When it comes to determining whether a soaking tub is right for you, weighing the pros, like the luxurious aesthetic, against the cons, like taking up valuable floor space, is key to having a successful final design.

The first step in the process is to understand what a soaking tub is and the most prominent characteristics of these tubs. For example, soaking tubs are typically freestanding, meaning they sit directly on the floor with no walls. As the name suggests, these tubs are designed to have enough depth that the user can completely immerse themselves in the water. The average depth for a soaking tub is between 14 and 20 inches, and some varieties offer features like an ergonomic seat or heating elements to keep the water toasty warm.

If you're trying to find the perfect freestanding tub for your space, a soaking tub offers benefits that range from physical to visual. First, soaking tubs are bold additions to any space, often turning into the focal point of the entire room. This can be a significant advantage for those who want to create a luxurious aesthetic appeal in their bathrooms while possibly even adding some additional value to their homes by installing one. You can completely change up the look and feel of the bathroom by simply changing how the tub is positioned in the space, giving you an impressive amount of control over the layout.

Additionally, soaking tubs' depth and size can create a spa-like experience for users and help to promote good physical health. The benefits of soaking in warm water for relieving body aches are well-documented, and the added space in a soaking tub allows you to get all limbs completely under the water. There is also added space to try some light stretching, which can be almost impossible in a standard bathtub. Soaking in a hot bath can also help with numerous issues, such as circulation or poor sleep.

While soaking tubs have their benefits, some may find the drawbacks to make these features too overrated to justify installing one in their bathrooms. With the average cost of a soaking tub falling around $2,500, it's worth weighing every pro and con before rushing into a purchase. For example, one of the biggest downfalls of soaking tubs is their massive size, which can take up a lot of floor space. In a small bathroom, having a separate shower and bath can be a design mistake and end up making the room feel cluttered. One way to remedy this is to try the freestanding tub alternative of a back-to-wall tub.

Another potential downside that makes soaking tubs overrated for some is the high water usage. On average, it can take around 100 gallons of water to fill one of these tubs. Compare this to the 50-gallon average of a standard tub, and it's clear that the energy and water consumption is a con worth investigating before upgrading your bathroom.